Society for the Protection of Nature / Doğal Hayatı Koruma Derneği, Turkey

A large number of government initiatives in the tourism sector starting in 1982 resulted in a rapid expansion of tourism facilities along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The pressure caused by massive construction projects, frequent changes in policies, the lack of co-ordination among central agencies and inadequate legislation led to severe negative social and environmental impacts.

Ciral, a small village on the Turkish coastline surrounded by the high mountains of the Olympos National Park, was spared such a fate owing to its remoteness. However, by the 1990s, its fragile natural (marine turtle nesting beach) and cultural (Olympos archaeological ruins) heritage was being put at risk by the construction of medium-sized hotels, illegal constructions and use of the coastal eco-system by the local inhabitants.

Owing to its unique qualities, Ciral was chosen as a demonstration area for eco-tourism and organic agriculture. The Ciral practice constitutes the most important component of the “Ciral and Belek Coastal Management” initiative. The overall objective is to promote sustainable development and the conservation of bio-diversity and of natural resources in selected coastal areas of Turkey. The specific objective for Ciral is to promote environmentally and socially sound development.